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Underdawg did an excellent job of explaining the rules. Here's the simplified version:
Don't insinuate Pedo. Warning and or timeout for a first offense. PermaFlick for any subsequent offenses
Don't out members. See above for penalties. Caveat: if you have ever used your own real name or personal information here on the forums since, like, ever - it doesn't count and you are fair game.
If you see spam posts, report it to the mods. We do not hang out in every thread 24/7
If you see any of the above, report it to the mods by hitting the Report button in the offending post.
We do not take action for foul language, off-subject content, or abusive behavior unless it escalates to persistent stalking. There may be times that we might warn someone or flick someone for something particularly egregious. There is no standard, we will know it when we see it. If you continually report things that do not fall into rules #1 or 2 above, you may very well get a timeout yourself for annoying the Mods with repeated whining. Use your best judgement.
Warnings, timeouts, suspensions and flicks are arbitrary and capricious. Deal with it. Welcome to anarchy.
If you are a newbie, there are unwritten rules to adhere to. They will be explained to you soon enough.

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Hello crew,
I am 39 years old and a software engineer. Not a fatty useless nerd -I was a pro athlete for over 10 years- I just happen to be good at math and computer science and went to college for it.
I have no previous sailing experience but I've been raised -since I was born- in a small beach town so I am very familiar with the "sea". I am also a fast learner.
Having said that.... I am planning on buying a catamaran in about two years. Budget is around $1M. The idea is to live on the catamaran with my family and work from there. I need some experts' opinion on what should I look for given the following constraints.
- I need something spacious -probably more than 50ft?- otherwise wifey will be bickering... who wants that?
- I am planning on sailing around the world. Mostly between America/Caribbean to Europe and vice versa (Atlantic ocean) and maybe venture out to the pacific at one point.
- I am looking for comfort/performance balance -since I have to accommodate family even thought I would go performance if I were single. I don't mind reaching Europe a "couple days later" if that means my family feels "home". I guess I am looking for a balance but don't want a floating house either.
- I am going to need to generate electricity while sailing (I need access to internet on demand).
- That being said... I need the best technology onboard for internet connectivity.
- Also I want to rely on technology as much as possible for cruising and navigation just for efficiency. I am very athletic so I don't mind physical work if needed.
- Luxury is not important. As long as it is comfortable and "feels nice", I am ok.
- Should I buy new or used?
- Any specific brand?
Thank you so much in advance. I just joined the forum. Looking forward to meet great folks here. I got good recommendations online.